Magdalena, NM; July 7, 2016 – The North Fire on the Magdalena Ranger District remains at 42,102 acres; at 90% containment. The lightning-caused fire started on May 21st and is located in the San Mateo Mountains, 25 miles southwest of Magdalena, NM. The North Fire has shown little fire activity. There are currently 10 personnel assigned to the incident.

Crews have completed all of the suppression related rehabilitation work. Some fence reconstruction is still needed, and will be completed by district personnel. The Monica Spike Camp and Helibase have been broken down and the area was prepared for seeding. Miscellaneous clean-up is being done throughout the fire area.

Road repair work began yesterday on Forest Roads 549, 330, and 138. The roads were used heavily throughout the suppression and rehabilitation efforts and, in some areas, damaged by the fire effects.

The weather forecast for Thursday calls for a drying trend to set up over the region. A chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms could develop into the weekend. When driving on Forest Roads during approaching storms, please drive carefully, reduce speed, drive with your lights on, and ’turn around don’t drown’ at water crossings. Also, when hiking trails, stay away from ridge tops and seek lower elevations until thunderstorms pass.

A temporary Area Closure Order remain in effect for the vicinity of the North Fire. All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area are closed to public use. Stage I fire restrictions have been implemented on the Magdalena Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.

A new fire – Puertecito Fire – is a lightning caused fire started on July 4, 2016 and is located in the Magdalena Mountains, 15 miles south of Magdalena, NM. The Puertecito fire is currently 2 acres in size, burning in Ponderosa pine, piñon–juniper and grass. A fire crew of four will staff the fire today, to monitor the fire behavior. Minimal smoke is visible form County Road 107. There are currently no values at risk in the immediate area.